Hypertension is a significant risk factor for heart disease. If you have mild to moderate hypertension, what do you do? Let’s find out.
In 2017, the American Heart Association published new high blood pressure guidelines that explained the different stages of hypertension. These stages include normal, elevated, hypertension stage 1, hypertension stage 2, and hypertensive crisis.
If you’re worried about having mild to moderate hypertension, you may have high blood pressure stage 1. At this point, it’s important to stop your condition from developing further, which is what the following tips can help with.
Tips for Controlling Blood Pressure
1. Losing Excess Weight
As weight increases, so does blood pressure, which can result in high blood pressure. However, you can start to see a change for the better by losing even a small amount of excess weight.
2. Staying Physically Active
Leading a sedentary life with no physical activity can lead to unhealthy habits that increase blood pressure. Conversely, by exercising regularly, you may lower your blood pressure readings by about 5 to 8 mm Hg.
3. Eating Well-Balanced Meals
There are many common food products that can increase cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Instead of eating processed foods, opt for fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and other nutritious foods.
4. Limiting Your Sodium
Some people experience higher blood pressure due to too much salt (sodium) intake. As a good rule of thumb, keep your sodium intake to no more than 1,500 mg per day.
5. Reducing Alcohol Intake
While drinking small, moderate amounts of alcohol may be beneficial for your health, it doesn’t mean you should drink large amounts. In fact, drinking more than a moderate amount can increase blood pressure levels and interfere with blood pressure medications.
6. Stop Smoking
In addition to affecting your lungs, smoking can impact your heart health by increasing your blood pressure. By quitting, you can decrease the risk of heart disease, live longer, and improve your overall health.
7. Cutting Back on Caffeine
When people drink coffee regularly, they may or may not experience an increase in their blood pressure. Nevertheless, if you know it increases your BP, it’s time to start cutting back on your caffeine intake.
8. Reducing Your Stress
Both acute and chronic stress can be factors in developing high blood pressure and other conditions. Learn how to manage your stress through meditation, yoga, deep breathing, and other stress management techniques.
Improving Blood Pressure Health
It’s important to take care of your blood pressure health as it can lead to heart disease if you don’t take care of it. By following these tips, you can make natural improvements to your life that will help lower your blood pressure.
In addition to these tips, you can add heart supplements to your daily health regimen. For example, L-arginine Plus is one of the most popular l-arginine heart supplements due to its effectiveness. Add it to your health plan as a way to naturally boost your circulatory and heart health.